A racer reunites with the Alfa Romeo Tipo 33 Stradale

An Italian speaks about one of the greatest Italian sports cars.

The Alfa Romeo Tipo 33 is a beautiful car. While Alfa Romeo's carbon-tubed mid-engine sports car, the 4C, brings many of the Tipo 33 Stradale's design cues into the 21st century, nothing beats the original. It's a dramatic piece of automotive sculpture, from the rounded femininity of its fenders to the quilted leather engine cover seductively hiding a 240-hp 2-liter V8. The Tipo 33 Stradale drips class, oozes sensuality, and burns with all the fiery passion a small Italian automaker could muster in the shadow of mighty Ferrari.

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Unfortunately, words can never do the Alfa Romeo Tipo 33 Stradale justice. For the lucky few who have seen one in person, they've never stepped behind the wheel. Arturo Merzario, however, was lucky enough to not only race the Alfa Romeo 33TT12 at the Targa Florio but to spin in the road-going Tipo 33 Stradale, as well. Kidston recently filmed this short video of the Italian sports car racing legend driving the equally great Alfa Romeo Tipo 33 Stradale at Villa d'Este. Passion has never looked so swank.